Teaching English Language Learners in Early Childhood and Elementary Settings

  • Minor
Teachers working with very young students at a low table on a class project involving colorful magnetic blocks.

If you want to make a difference for multilingual learners, Montclair’s Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) minor gives you the skills to support students whose first language is not English – no matter your major.

This program is ideal for future educators as well as students planning careers in community organizations, social services, or other fields where they’ll work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. You’ll explore how languages are learned, discover strategies for making content accessible, and learn how to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.

Through coursework in linguistics, language acquisition, and instructional methods, you’ll gain both the theoretical background and practical tools to help Multilingual Learners succeed academically and socially. Field experiences give you opportunities to connect your learning to real-world classrooms and community settings.

The TELL minor pairs seamlessly with many majors, adding a valuable credential that expands your career possibilities. You’ll graduate ready to advocate for and support learners from diverse backgrounds, making a meaningful impact wherever your career takes you.

See the curriculum.

Choose Your Path

The TELL minor can be taken with any approved Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education Preschool through Grade 3, K-6, Dual Degree Dual Certification or Subject Area teacher education major. Additionally, courses in the TELL Minor Program are open if you’re just interested in enhancing your knowledge and skills in working with English language learners. When you complete this minor, you’ll be ready to take on careers including:

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Elementary Teacher
  • Teacher of Students with Disabilities
  • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Reading Specialist
  • School Psychologist

Questions? We're Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Department of Teaching and Learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning prepares professionals to possess the knowledge, skills and dispositions to transform early childhood, elementary, secondary, and life-long literacy education.